Speaking at the launch- tasting at Vasant Continental yesterday, Helmut Seibert, their viticulturist Executive Director said that they had purposely selected wines for India, which were slightly sweet and less acidic to go better with Indian food.
Amit Burman, Vice-Chairman of Dabur and founder Chairman of Nature's Bounty observed that 'wine is not fashion but a passion now'. He was sure the wine industry would expand with more players like them entering the market as each would try to carve a new share though promotion and creating awareness.
What happened to the agreement with Mount Shivalik Breweries which had launched Blue Nun with much fanfare 3-4 years ago? 'That is over,' clarified Seibert, adding. 'They have not picked up any stocks for over two years.'
He expressed optimism with the new alliance especially, with A.S. Wadhwa, the CEO announcing that one of the wines meant to be tasted had been already sold out.
Vasant Continental did a good job so far as the food was concerned but their wine service was as poor as it was before the government made imports duty- free. The waiters were confused or indifferent to serve the 5 wines in order- only three were served on our tables on the side. When I went to the bar to taste the Kaya Pinotage-Cab, I was promptly given the bottle and a tulip glass for sparkling wine!
It is also ironic that while one talks of pairing food with wine, the Chinese food that was served at the launch was without wine. This was perhaps due to the excise laws, which continue to be so old-fashioned that they do not allow any elbow space.
The Blue Nun Riesling and the Kaya Chenin- Chardonnay would have been worth a trial with the food. The Blue Nun celebratory Gold sparkling (Sekt), would also have been a practical point of how well a sparkling wine could match Chinese cuisine. The blue-bottle off-dry, white table wine with low alcohol content of 10% would appeal to women novices.
Incidentally, Langguth has nothing to do with another German producer Ulllrich Langguth whose company Mo-Re-Na exports wines through FinewinesnMore, though the two are cousins as Helmut clarified.
Subhash Arora
November 11, 2008 |